1
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
I like my hamburgers plain, with no ketchup or relish just give us the plain facts and none of your snide comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pure
free from added matter
I'd prefer my pasta plain, not flavored with tomato or spinach or anything else
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
their piano teacher is honest and plain, if not always tactful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
a plain report on the current situation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
let me make my meaning plain
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
told her plain that he loved her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in prairie
a broad area of level or rolling treeless country
the first settlers in that area lived on the vast plains in lonely log cabins
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in expanse
a wide space or area
the vast plains of snow-covered earth that seemed to stretch endlessly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of plain
Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Investing in arts and culture is good policy — plain and simple.
—Megan Beyer, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 June 2025
Active Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins Anybody can grill a plain hot dog, but these spicy-crunchy dogs are something special.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
But while the vents have remained inactive and dormant for tens of millions of years or more, the satellite retains evidence of its once volatile past – evidence that includes caves, plains, and teeny tiny glass beads that glisten and shimmer on the moon’s rocky surface.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Adjective
The last shot is a plain trailer closet door, cracked open.
—Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Investing in arts and culture is good policy — plain and simple.
—Megan Beyer, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Adverb
If some of Meghan Markle’s other social media posts have bordered on cringe, well, this one is just plain cute….
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 June 2025
Active Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins Anybody can grill a plain hot dog, but these spicy-crunchy dogs are something special.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Noun
Best time frame for eastern plains will be 3 PM - 7 PM.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
But while the vents have remained inactive and dormant for tens of millions of years or more, the satellite retains evidence of its once volatile past – evidence that includes caves, plains, and teeny tiny glass beads that glisten and shimmer on the moon’s rocky surface.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plain
Adjective
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
As Electrek points out, the E-VO isn't a pure Honda product.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 29,
New Atlas,
29 June 2025
-
Add in the pure creativity and skill of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat (legit competitors in their own rights, albeit in smaller bodies), and the two-way play of Dylan Larkin and Nate Danielson, and the future forward lineup starts to look pretty balanced.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
-
The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.—
Billal Rahman
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
With the prairie getting plowed under and replaced almost completely by farmland, the prairie chicken lost its habitat, and is nearly extinct in Illinois.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2025
-
The researchers also analyzed tiny plant remains fossilizing in the cubs’ stomachs, revealing that the wolves lived in a dry, somewhat mild environment that could support diverse vegetation including prairie grasses, willows and shrub leaves.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Over the past decade, researchers have conducted multiple experiments using vast expanses of water and ice that are designed to search for neutrinos, which could shed light on mysterious cosmic rays, the most highly energetic particles in the universe.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
-
Located in Santa Paula, the $10 million Converse Ranch is a 117-year-old riverside expanse of more than 174 acres.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.—
AJ Bubb,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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